Preconnectorized fiber optic local convergence points

ABSTRACT

There is provided fiber optic local convergence points that provide preconnectorized functionality to eliminate all or most of the splicing associated with local convergence points in fiber optic distribution networks. The local convergence points provide a plurality of preconnectorized multi-fiber ports adapted to receive a preconnectorized end of a distribution cable within the enclosure of the local convergence point, on the enclosure itself, or outside the enclosure. For example, the local convergence point may provide preconnectorized multi-fiber ports outside the enclosure with an accumulator optically connected to the interior of the local convergence with an accumulator cable, wherein the accumulator comprises the plurality of preconnectorized multi-fiber ports.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention is related to fiber optic networks, and moreparticularly, to fiber optic local convergence points havingpreconnectorized connections.

2. Description of Related Art

Fiber optic distribution networks typically include a central officefrom which optical signals originate and are transmitted to a number ofsubscribers via the network. Feeder cables usually extend from thecentral office to one or more local convergence points. At the localconvergence point the optical signals from the central office are oftensplit from each of the optical fibers of the feeder cable to a plurality(such as 16, 32, or 64) of optical fibers of a distribution cable. Theoptical fibers of the distribution cable are then routed to a networkaccess point where the optical fibers are connected, spliced, orotherwise placed in optical communication with drop cables thattypically are routed to a subscriber's premises, such as a home orbusiness. In addition to providing a splitter in the local convergencepoint (“LCP”), LCPs often include a subscriber termination fieldcomprising a plurality of adapters to selectively connect a pigtailextending from a splitter to an optical fiber of the distribution cable,thereby enabling a technician to selectively activate a subscriber bysimply plugging a pigtail into a particular adapter (and selectivelydeactivate a subscriber by removing the pigtail).

Installation of such LCPs is often very time-consuming given the numberof splices a technician must perform when optically connecting the LCPto the feeder cable and/or distribution cable. For example, an LCPhaving 432 distribution outputs requires splicing of all 432 fibers ofthe distribution cable(s), which may take a technician over twenty-twohours to splice. Even if optical fiber ribbon cable is utilized, it maytake a technician over eight hours to splice the 432 fibers of thedistribution cable. FIG. 1 provides a schematic representation of aconventional LCP 10 having a feeder cable 12 enter the enclosure 14 ofthe LCP and a distribution cable 16 exit the LCP. Within the LCP, eachoptical fiber 18 of the feeder cable 12 is connected to a splitter input20 of a splitter 22. The fourteen optical fibers 18 are split into 432optical fibers of a distribution cable 16 (thirteen optical fibers aresplit into thirty-two (1×32) and one optical fiber is split into sixteen(1×16) to provide the 432 distribution fibers). The splitter outputs 26are selectively connected to the optical fibers 28 of the distributioncable using a subscriber termination field 30 (represented by the gapbetween the connectors of the splitter outputs 26 and the connectors ofthe optical fibers 28). However, the distribution cable 16 requiressplicing of the distribution optical fibers 28 to one or moredistribution cables 32, which in this exemplary embodiment are sixdistribution cables of 72 fibers each. Not only do the splices 34require a significant amount of labor, as described above, butadditional equipment is needed to provide the actual splice and to storethe splices (such as a below grade handhole or other closure 36).

The LCP of FIG. 1 is illustrated again in FIGS. 2 and 3 with additionalcomponents of the fiber optic distribution network shown. The feedercable 12 typically must be spliced 40 prior to entering the enclosure 14of the LCP 10, just as the distribution cable 16 is spliced 34 afterexiting the enclosure of the LCP. This enables the LCPs 10 to be shippedinto the field with stub feeder cable 12 and stub distribution cable 16that are already routed, connected, and/or connectorized within the LCP.As shown in FIG. 2, the distribution cable 16 is spliced 34 intodistribution cables 32 that define a plurality of network access points42 to which drop cables (not shown) may be optically connected. FIG. 3represents a fiber optic distribution network wherein the network accesspoints 42 must be located a relatively far distance from the LCP, thusrequiring an additional distribution cable 44 to provide the additionallength. The additional distribution cable 44 also requires additionalsplices 46.

Therefore, a need exists for improved LCPs and fiber optic distributionnetworks that do not require splicing of the distribution cable and/orfeeder cable. Elimination of such splicing would reduce the time, skilllevel, and expense of performing a large number of splices and eliminatethe equipment needed for such splicing.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The various embodiments of the present invention address the above needsand achieve other advantages by providing local convergence points(“LCPs”) comprising a plurality of preconnectorized multi-fiber portsthat obviate the need to perform the splicing required by prior artLCPs. More specifically, the various embodiments of the presentinvention provide a plurality of preconnectorized multi-fiber portswithin an interior cavity of the LCP, on an exterior wall of the LCP,and/or external to the LCP. Therefore, the LCPs of the present inventionenable quick installation of an LCP in the field by enabling connectionof the distribution cable(s) to the LCP without splicing.

One embodiment of the present invention provides an outside plant LCP ina fiber optic distribution network comprising at least one feeder cableand at least one distribution cable, wherein the LCP is adapted toprovide optical connectivity between the feeder cable and thedistribution cable. The LCP comprises an enclosure comprising anexterior wall and an interior cavity therein. Access to the interiorcavity is provided through at least one door provided on the exteriorwall. The LCP also includes a splitter within the interior cavity and inoptical communication with at least one optical fiber of the feedercable. The splitter is adapted to provide optical connectivity betweenthe optical fiber of the feeder cable and a plurality of pigtails. TheLCP further includes a subscriber termination field mounted within theinterior cavity and comprising a plurality of adapters for selectiveoptical connection between a pigtail of the plurality of pigtails and asubscriber fiber. The LCP also comprises a plurality of preconnectorizedmulti-fiber ports provided on a panel within the interior cavity,wherein the preconnectorized multi-fiber ports are in opticalcommunication with a plurality of subscriber fibers. The plurality ofpreconnectorized multi-fiber ports of the LCP are adapted to receive apreconnectorized end of the distribution cable to thereby provideoptical connectivity between the plurality of subscriber fibers and thedistribution cable. In some embodiments of the present invention thepanel to which the preconnectorized multi-fiber ports are attachedcomprises a rear panel of the subscriber termination field.

Further embodiments of the present invention provide the plurality ofpreconnectorized multi-fiber ports on an exterior wall of the LCP. Stillfurther embodiments of the present invention provide an accumulatoroutside the exterior wall of the enclosure of the LCP. The accumulatorincludes the plurality of preconnectorized multi-fiber ports. Therefore,the LCPs of various embodiments of the present invention providepreconnectorized multi-fiber ports to facilitate convenient opticalconnection of one or more distribution cables to the LCP. Furthermore,certain embodiments of the present invention allow selective opticalconnection of distribution cables to the LCPs without the need fortechnicians to enter the LCP, thus reducing the risk of unintentionaldamage within the interior of the LCP and simplifying connection of thedistribution cable.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

Having thus described the invention in general terms, reference will nowbe made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn toscale and are meant to be illustrative and not limiting, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a prior art LCP, illustrating the splicesrequired for the distribution cable;

FIG. 2 is a perspective schematic view of the prior art LCP of FIG. 1,further illustrating the splicing of the feeder cable and distributioncable;

FIG. 3 is a perspective schematic view of the prior art LCP of FIG. 1,illustrating additional splicing of the distribution cable;

FIG. 4 is a schematic view of an LCP in accordance with one embodimentof the present invention, illustrating the preconnectorized multi-fiberports for use with thirty-six 12 fiber distribution cables;

FIG. 5 is a schematic view of an LCP in accordance with anotherembodiment of the present invention, illustrating the preconnectorizedmulti-fiber ports for use with six 72 fiber distribution cables;

FIG. 6 is a perspective schematic view of an LCP in accordance with yetanother embodiment of the present invention, illustrating thepreconnectorized multi-fiber ports provided on a panel within theinterior cavity of the LCP;

FIG. 7 is a perspective schematic view of an LCP in accordance with yetanother embodiment of the present invention, illustrating thepreconnectorized multi-fiber ports provided on an exterior wall of theLCP;

FIG. 8 is a perspective schematic view of an LCP in accordance with yetanother embodiment of the present invention, illustrating thepreconnectorized multi-fiber ports provided on an accumulator outsidethe exterior wall of the LCP; and

FIG. 9 is a perspective schematic view of an LCP in accordance with yetanother embodiment of the present invention, illustrating thepreconnectorized multi-fiber ports provided on an accumulator outsidethe exterior wall of the LCP, wherein the accumulator cable includessplices.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter withreference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not allembodiments of the invention are shown. Indeed, the invention may beembodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limitedto the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments areprovided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legalrequirements. Although apparatus and methods for providingpreconnectorized multi-fiber ports with a local convergence point aredescribed and shown in the accompanying drawings with regard to specifictypes of components, orientations, and configurations, it is envisionedthat the functionality of the various apparatus of the present inventionmay be applied to any now known or hereafter devised local convergencepoints in which it is desired to provide preconnectorized multi-fiberports. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.

With reference to FIGS. 4-9, a number of local convergence points(“LCPs”) in accordance with various embodiments of the present inventionare illustrated. The LCPs of the present invention are intended toencompass fiber distribution hubs (“FDHs”), pedestals, pole-mountedLCPs, and any other outside plant local convergence points opticallyconnecting a feeder cable (or a portion of a feeder cable) to one ormore distribution cables.

Turning now to the embodiment of FIG. 4, an outside plant LCP 50 in afiber optic distribution network is illustrated. The LCP 50 is adaptedto provide optical connectivity between at least some of the opticalfibers 52 of the feeder cable 54 and the optical fibers 56 of the one ormore distribution cables 58. Some of the fibers (not shown) of thefeeder cable 54 may pass through or bypass the LCP 50. The LCP 50includes an enclosure 60 comprising an exterior wall, such as the sidewalls, top, and bottom of a fiber distribution hub, to provide onenon-limiting example. The enclosure 60 does not necessarily need to be acomplete enclosure and/or provide a seal or other barrier from theoutside. The enclosure 60 of some embodiments of the present inventionhouses the internal components of the LCP 50. The enclosure 60 definesan interior cavity 62 therein, and the interior cavity is accessiblethrough at least one door on at least one side of the LCP 50. Within theenclosure 60 of the LCP 50 of FIG. 4 is provided fourteen splittermodules 64 to split the fourteen optical fibers 52 of the feeder cable54 into 432 pigtails 66 connected to the splitter modules. The opticalfibers 52 of the feeder cable 54 are connected to the splitter moduleinputs 68 by adapters 70.

The plurality of pigtails 66 output from the splitter modules 64 areselectively inserted into adapters 72 of the subscriber terminationfield 74 mounted within the interior cavity. The subscriber terminationfield 74 comprises a plurality of adapters 72 (432 adapters in theembodiment of FIG. 4) that selectively optically connect the pigtails 66to subscriber fibers 76 positioned on an opposite side of the subscribertermination field on which the pigtails are selectively connected to theadapters. The subscriber fibers 76 are optically connected to aplurality of preconnectorized multi-fiber ports 78. In the embodimentillustrated in FIG. 4, the preconnectorized multi-fiber ports 78 includethe adapter 80 needed for the preconnectorized multi-fiber port toreceive a preconnectorized end of a distribution cable; however, infurther embodiments of the present invention the preconnectorizedmulti-fiber ports include no adapters and/or other devices toconveniently provide connection of the subscriber fibers to the opticalfibers of the distribution cable without splicing.

The plurality of preconnectorized multi-fiber ports 78 of FIG. 4includes thirty-six connectors comprising twelve fibers each. Theplurality of preconnectorized multi-fiber ports 78 are provided on apanel within the interior cavity 62 of the LCP 50 such that thepreconnectorized multi-fiber ports are in optical communication with thesubscriber fibers 76. In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 4, the panelon which the plurality of preconnectorized multi-fiber ports 78 areprovided comprises a rear panel of the subscriber termination field 74.In further embodiments of the present invention the panel on which theplurality of preconnectorized multi-fiber ports are provided is adifferent panel and/or a stand-alone panel within the enclosure, suchthat a technician must open the at least one door of the enclosure togain access to one or more of the plurality of preconnectorizedmulti-fiber ports. In such embodiments having the plurality ofpreconnectorized multi-fiber ports within the enclosure, the exteriorwall provides convenient and secure routing of the distribution cableinto the interior cavity of the enclosure.

The preconnectorized multi-fiber ports of some embodiments of thepresent invention comprise at least one alignment and keying featureadapted for mechanical interaction with at least one alignment andkeying feature of the preconnectorized end of the distribution cable.One particular example of such preconnectorized multi-fiber portsincludes the connectors disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/076,684 filed Mar. 10, 2005 and granted as U.S. Pat. No. 7,264,402,which is assigned to the present assignee, the disclosure of which ishereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Further embodiments ofthe present invention include alternative devices to orient, secure, andotherwise connect the preconnectorized multi-fiber ports to thepreconnectorized ends of the distribution cable.

Referring again to FIG. 4, the distribution cables 58 exit the enclosure60 and preferably comprises a factory installed terminal system suchthat no splices are required along the distribution cable (including atan end opposite the preconnectorized end). An example of a factoryinstalled terminal system for the distribution cable 58 is provided inFIG. 6, wherein the distribution cable comprises one or more tethersprovided at mid span access locations 82 along the distribution cable. Anon-limiting example of such a distribution cable is disclosed in U.S.patent application Ser. Nos. 11/432,637 and 11/432,579 both filed May11, 2006 and assigned to the present assignee, the disclosures of whichare hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. Still furtherembodiments of the present invention include alternative factoryinstalled terminal systems for providing convenient connections to thedistribution cable.

Turning now to the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 5 and 7, the LCP 50 issubstantially similar to the LCP of FIG. 4; however, the plurality ofpreconnectorized multi-fiber ports 78 are provided on the exterior wallof the enclosure 60. By providing the preconnectorized multi-fiber ports78 on the exterior wall of the enclosure, a technician is able toconnect the distribution cable without entering the interior cavity 62of the LCP 50. The LCP 50 of FIGS. 5 and 7 also includes only sixpreconnectorized multi-fiber ports 78 each comprising 72 fibers;however, further embodiments of the present invention comprisepreconnectorized multi-fiber ports of alternative numbers of fibers,such as 4, 6, 8, 12, 16, 24, 32, 36, 48, 64, 72, and 96 to provide a fewnon-limiting examples.

Turning now to the LCP 50 of FIG. 8, the LCP includes an accumulator 90outside the exterior wall of the enclosure 60. The accumulator is inoptical connectivity with the subscriber termination field through anaccumulator cable 94 comprising a plurality of subscriber fibers (whichmay or may not be in direct optical connectivity with the pigtails ofthe splitter). The accumulator cable 94 exits the interior cavity 62 ofthe enclosure 60 such that the accumulator is provided outside theenclosure, such that a technician is able to connect the distributioncables 58 without entering the enclosure.

The accumulator 90 of the embodiment of FIG. 8 includes a plurality ofpreconnectorized multi-fiber ports 92 adapted to receive apreconnectorized end of the distribution cables 58 to thereby provideoptical connectivity between the plurality of subscriber fibers and thedistribution cable. The accumulator 90 of some embodiments of thepresent invention comprises a multi-port optical connection terminal,such as the type disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. Nos.10/765,589 filed Jan. 27, 2004 and granted as U.S. Pat. No. 7,120,347,which is assigned to the present assignee, the disclosure of which ishereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Still furtherembodiments of the present invention comprise alternative accumulatorsto provide preconnectorized multi-fiber ports outside the enclosure ofthe LCP.

Turning now to the LCP 50 of FIG. 9, a splice 96 is provide outside theLCP to splice the subscriber fibers 98 extending from the LCP 50 to thefibers of the accumulator cable 94 such that the subscriber fibers arein optical communication with the preconnectorized multi-fiber ports 92of the accumulator 90 via a single splice. Alternative embodiments ofthe present invention provide a connector, rather than splice 96, toconnect the accumulator to the LCP, while still further embodiments ofthe present invention provide still further devices and/or connectionsto provide improved connectivity between the LCP and the distributioncable(s).

With regards to the optical fibers used within the LCP, some embodimentsof the present invention include various types of optical fibers whichinclude, but are not limited to, low bend sensitivity optical fibers,bend optimized optical fibers, and bend insensitive optical fibers, allof which are referred to generically herein as “bend performance opticalfiber.” One specific example of bend performance optical fiber ismicrostructured optical fibers. Microstructured optical fibers comprisea core region and a cladding region surrounding the core region, thecladding region comprising an annular hole-containing region comprisedof non-periodically disposed holes such that the optical fiber iscapable of single mode transmission at one or more wavelengths in one ormore operating wavelength ranges. The core region and cladding regionprovide improved bend resistance, and single mode operation atwavelengths preferably greater than or equal to 1500 nm, in someembodiments also greater than 1400 nm, in other embodiments also greaterthan 1260 nm. The optical fibers provide a mode field at a wavelength of1310 nm preferably greater than 8.0 microns, more preferably between 8.0and 10.0 microns. The microstructured optical fibers of variousembodiments define single-mode transmission optical fiber and/ormulti-mode transmission optical fiber.

The microstructured optical fiber of some embodiments of the presentinvention comprises a core region disposed about a longitudinalcenterline, and a cladding region surrounding the core region, thecladding region comprising an annular hole-containing region comprisedof non-periodically disposed holes, wherein the annular hole-containingregion has a maximum radial width of less than 12 microns, the annularhole-containing region has a regional void area percent of less than 30percent, and the non-periodically disposed holes have a mean diameter ofless than 1550 nm.

By “non-periodically disposed” or “non-periodic distribution”, it ismeant that when one takes a cross section (such as a cross sectionperpendicular to the longitudinal axis) of the optical fiber, thenon-periodically disposed holes are randomly or non-periodicallydistributed across a portion of the fiber. Similar cross sections takenat different points along the length of the fiber will reveal differentcross-sectional hole patterns, i.e., various cross sections will havedifferent hole patterns, wherein the distributions of holes and sizes ofholes do not match. That is, the voids or holes are non-periodic, i.e.,they are not periodically disposed within the fiber structure. Theseholes are stretched (elongated) along the length (i.e. in a directiongenerally parallel to the longitudinal axis) of the optical fiber, butdo not extend the entire length of the entire fiber for typical lengthsof transmission fiber.

For a variety of applications, it is desirable for the holes to beformed such that greater than 95% of and preferably all of the holesexhibit a mean hole size in the cladding for the optical fiber which isless than 1550 nm, more preferably less than 775 nm, most preferablyless than about 390 nm. Likewise, it is preferable that the maximumdiameter of the holes in the fiber be less than 7000 nm, more preferablyless than 2000 nm, and even more preferably less than 1550 nm, and mostpreferably less than 775 nm. In some embodiments, the fibers disclosedherein have fewer than 5000 holes, in some embodiments also fewer than1000 holes, and in other embodiments the total number of holes is fewerthan 500 holes in a given optical fiber perpendicular cross-section. Ofcourse, the most preferred fibers will exhibit combinations of thesecharacteristics. Thus, for example, one particularly preferredembodiment of optical fiber would exhibit fewer than 200 holes in theoptical fiber, the holes having a maximum diameter less than 1550 nm anda mean diameter less than 775 nm, although useful and bend resistantoptical fibers can be achieved using larger and greater numbers ofholes. The hole number, mean diameter, max diameter, and total void areapercent of holes can all be calculated with the help of a scanningelectron microscope at a magnification of about 800× and image analysissoftware, such as ImagePro, which is available from Media Cybernetics,Inc. of Silver Spring, Md., USA.

The optical fiber disclosed herein may or may not include germania orfluorine to also adjust the refractive index of the core and or claddingof the optical fiber, but these dopants can also be avoided in theintermediate annular region and instead, the holes (in combination withany gas or gases that may be disposed within the holes) can be used toadjust the manner in which light is guided down the core of the fiber.The hole-containing region may consist of undoped (pure) silica, therebycompletely avoiding the use of any dopants in the hole-containingregion, to achieve a decreased refractive index, or the hole-containingregion may comprise doped silica, e.g. fluorine-doped silica having aplurality of holes.

In one set of embodiments, the core region includes doped silica toprovide a positive refractive index relative to pure silica, e.g.germania doped silica. The core region is preferably hole-free. In someembodiments, the core region comprises a single core segment having apositive maximum refractive index relative to pure silica Δ₁ in %, andthe single core segment extends from the centerline to a radius R₁. Inone set of embodiments, 0.30%<Δ₁<0.40%, and 3.0 μm<R₁<5.0 μm. In someembodiments, the single core segment has a refractive index profile withan alpha shape, where alpha is 6 or more, and in some embodiments alphais 8 or more. In some embodiments, the inner annular hole-free regionextends from the core region to a radius R₂, wherein the inner annularhole-free region has a radial width W12, equal to R2-R1, and W12 isgreater than 1 μm. Radius R2 is preferably greater than 5 μm, morepreferably greater than 6 μm. The intermediate annular hole-containingregion extends radially outward from R2 to radius R3 and has a radialwidth W23, equal to R3-R2. The outer annular region extends radiallyoutward from R3 to radius R4. Radius R4 is the outermost radius of thesilica portion of the optical fiber. One or more coatings may be appliedto the external surface of the silica portion of the optical fiber,starting at R4, the outermost diameter or outermost periphery of theglass part of the fiber. The core region and the cladding region arepreferably comprised of silica. The core region is preferably silicadoped with one or more dopants. Preferably, the core region ishole-free. While not necessary limited, the hole-containing regionpreferably has an inner radius R2 which is not more than 20 μm. In someembodiments, R2 is not less than 10 μm and not greater than 20μm. Inother embodiments, R2 is not less than 10 μm and not greater than 18 μm.In other embodiments, R2 is not less than 10 μm and not greater than 14μm. Again, while not being limited to any particular width, thehole-containing region preferably has a radial width W23 which is notless than 0.5 μm. In some embodiments, W23 is not less than 0.5 μm andnot greater than 20 μm. In other embodiments, W23 is not less than 2 μmand not greater than 12 μm. In other embodiments, W23 is not less than 2μm and not greater than 10 μm.

Such fiber can be made to exhibit a fiber cutoff of less than 1400 nm,more preferably less than 1310 nm, a 20 mm macrobend induced loss ofless than 0.5 dB/turn, preferably less than 0.1 dB/turn, more preferablyless than 0.05 dB/turn, even more preferably less than 0.03 dB/turn, andstill more preferably less than 0.02 dB/turn, a 12 mm macrobend inducedloss of less than 1 dB/turn, preferably less than 0.5 dB/turn, morepreferably less than 0.2 dB/turn, and even more preferably less than 0.1dB/turn, and still even more preferably less than 0.05 dB/turn, and a 8mm macrobend induced loss of less than 5 dB/turn, preferably less than 1dB/turn, more preferably less than 0.5 dB/turn, and even more preferablyless than 0.2 dB/turn and still even more preferably less than 0.1dB/turn. An example of a suitable fiber is a fiber comprising a coreregion surrounded by a cladding region which comprises randomly disposedvoids which are contained within an annular region spaced from the coreand positioned to be effective to guide light along the core region.

Additional features of the microstructured optical fibers of additionalembodiments of the present invention are described more fully in pendingU.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/583,098 filed Oct. 18, 2006, andprovisional U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 60/817,863 filed Jun. 30,2006; 60/817,721 filed Jun. 30, 2006; 60/841,458 filed Aug. 31, 2006;and 60/841,490 filed Aug. 31, 2006; all of which are assigned to CorningIncorporated and the disclosures of which are incorporated by referenceherein.

Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention set forthherein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which theinvention pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in theforegoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is tobe understood that the invention is not to be limited to the specificembodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments areintended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. It isintended that the present invention cover the modifications andvariations of this invention provided they come within the scope of theappended claims and their equivalents. Although specific terms areemployed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense onlyand not for purposes of limitation.

1. An outside plant local convergence point in a fiber opticdistribution network comprising at least one feeder cable and at leastone distribution cable, wherein the local convergence point is adaptedto provide optical connectivity between the feeder cable and thedistribution cable, the local convergence point comprising: an enclosurecomprising an exterior wall and an interior cavity therein, whereinaccess to the interior cavity is provided through at least one door; asplitter mounted within the interior cavity and in optical communicationwith at least one optical fiber of the feeder cable and adapted toprovide optical connectivity between the optical fiber of the feedercable and a plurality of pigtails; a subscriber termination fieldmounted within the interior cavity and comprising a plurality ofadapters for selective optical connection between a pigtail of theplurality of pigtails and a subscriber fiber; and a plurality ofpreconnectorized multi-fiber ports provided on the exterior wall of theenclosure, wherein the preconnectorized multi-fiber ports are in opticalcommunication with a plurality of subscriber fibers; wherein theplurality of preconnectorized multi-fiber ports are adapted to receive apreconnectorized end of the distribution cable to thereby provideoptical connectivity between the plurality of subscriber fibers and thedistribution cable.
 2. A local convergence point according to claim 1,wherein the preconnectorized multi-fiber ports comprise at least one ofthe following numbers of fibers: 4, 6, 8, 12, 16, 24, 32, 36, 48, 64,72, and
 96. 3. A local convergence point according to claim 1, whereinthe preconnectorized multi-fiber ports include at least one alignmentand keying feature adapted for mechanical interaction with at least onealignment and keying feature of the preconnectorized end of thedistribution cable.
 4. A local convergence point according to claim 1,wherein the plurality of preconnectorized multi-fiber ports are adaptedto receive preconnectorized ends of distribution cables including one ormore tethers provided at mid span access locations along thedistribution cable.
 5. A local convergence point according to claim 1,wherein the feeder cable is spliced to at least one stub cable inoptical communication with the splitter.
 6. A local convergence pointaccording to claim 1, wherein at least one optical fiber within theenclosure comprises a microstructured optical fiber comprising a coreregion and a cladding region surrounding the core region, the claddingregion Comprising an annular hole-containing region comprised ofnon-periodically disposed holes.
 7. An outside plant local convergencepoint in a fiber optic distribution network comprising at least onefeeder cable and at least one distribution cable, wherein the localconvergence point is adapted to provide optical connectivity between thefeeder cable and the distribution cable, the local Convergence pointcomprising: an enclosure comprising an exterior wall and an interiorcavity therein, wherein access to the interior cavity is providedthrough at least one door; a splitter mounted within the interior cavityand in optical communication with at least one optical fiber of thefeeder cable and adapted to provide optical connectivity between theoptical fiber of the feeder cable and a plurality of pigtails; asubscriber termination field mounted within the interior cavity andcomprising a plurality of adapters for selective optical connectionbetween a pigtail of the plurality of pigtails and a subscriber fiber;and an accumulator outside the exterior wall of the enclosure and inoptical connectivity with the subscriber termination field through anaccumulator cable comprising a plurality of subscriber fibers, whereinthe accumulator cable exits the interior cavity of the enclosure andwherein the accumulator comprises a plurality of preconnectorizedmulti-fiber ports adapted to receive a preconnectorized end of thedistribution cable to thereby provide optical connectivity between theplurality of subscriber fibers and the distribution cable.
 8. A localconvergence point according to claim 7, wherein the subscriber fibersare in direct optical communication with the preconnectorizedmulti-fiber ports of the accumulator without any intermediate splices orconnectors.
 9. A local convergence point according to claim 7, whereinthe subscriber fibers are in optical communication with thepreconnectorized multi-fiber ports of the accumulator via a singlesplice.
 10. A local convergence point according to claim 7, wherein thesubscriber fibers are in optical communication with the preconnectorizedmulti-fiber ports of the accumulator via a single connection.
 11. Alocal convergence point according to claim 7, wherein thepreconnectorized multi-fiber ports comprise at least one of thefollowing numbers of fibers: 4, 6, 8, 12, 16, 24, 32, 36, 48, 64, 72,and
 96. 12. A local convergence point according to claim 7, wherein thepreconnectorized multi-fiber ports include at least one alignment andkeying feature adapted for mechanical interaction with at least onealignment and keying feature of the preconnectorized end of thedistribution cable.
 13. A local convergence point according to claim 7,wherein the plurality of preconnectorized multi-fiber ports are adaptedto receive preconnectorized ends of distribution cables including one ormore tethers provided at mid span access locations along thedistribution cable.
 14. A local convergence point according to claim 7,wherein at least one optical fiber within the enclosure comprises amicrostructured optical fiber comprising a core region and a claddingregion surrounding the core region, the cladding region comprising anannular hole-containing region comprised of non-periodically disposedholes.